Rhondda Cynon Taf Crime Rate

Rhondda Cynon Taf, a local authority area in South Wales, recorded an overall crime rate of 88.0 per 1,000 people for the 2025 calendar year. This figure is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a solid safety score of 78/100, which is nearly on par with the national average of 79. The area's crime trend is currently stable, with only a minor 1.8% increase year-over-year. With a population of over 242,000, the region experiences a mix of urban and valley-based crime patterns, with violence and anti-social behaviour being the most frequently reported offences. However, property crime remains notably low, suggesting a generally secure environment for residents and homeowners across the district.

Rhondda Cynon Taf is a large local authority area in South Wales, characterised by its unique geography of steep-sided valleys and vibrant, close-knit communities. Historically driven by the coal mining industry, the region has transitioned into a diverse economic landscape with a mix of residential towns, industrial estates, and significant transport links to Cardiff. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its high population density in narrow valley floors and its status as a regional hub for employment and retail. While much of the area is residential, the presence of active town centres and a transient population near major routes can contribute to the frequency of reported incidents. Economic factors and the social fabric of these former industrial heartlands also play a role in shaping the local safety profile, which remains largely stable compared to national trends.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.2% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 13.0%, followed by public order offences at 12.0%. These three types represent nearly 70% of the total crime in the region, reflecting a high concentration of personal and community-based issues. Property-related crime overall—which includes burglary, robbery, various forms of theft, and vehicle-related offences—is recorded at a rate of 20.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. For residents, this indicates that while the risk to physical property is lower than in many other parts of the UK, personal safety and community conduct remain the primary areas of concern for local law enforcement and residents alike.

The crime trend in Rhondda Cynon Taf is currently stable, with a negligible 1.8% increase in total offences over the last year. Monthly data from 2025 shows a very consistent pattern of activity. The year began with rates of 7.0 in January and February, rising slightly to a peak of 8.5 in July. This mid-year increase is a common seasonal trend. Following the summer peak, the rate dipped to a yearly low of 6.3 in September and December. This lack of significant volatility is a positive sign, indicating that crime levels are well-managed and predictable. For residents, this stability means that while standard precautions are always necessary, there are no sudden surges in regional crime that warrant immediate alarm.

Rhondda Cynon Taf sits at the heart of the South Wales valleys, bordering several other major local authority areas. While specific comparative data for Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Bridgend, Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Blaenau Gwent were not provided in this specific set, Rhondda Cynon Taf's rate of 88.0 per 1,000 serves as a reliable benchmark for the region. It typically offers a safer residential profile than the larger urban centre of Cardiff, while maintaining a similar safety dynamic to its valley neighbours. This regional stability makes it a popular choice for those seeking a balance between community safety and accessibility to the wider South Wales region.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf, where the property crime rate is low at 20.9 per 1,000, residents benefit from a generally secure environment. However, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and public order offences suggests that maintaining a visible and effective security presence is still valuable. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing footage only after an incident has occurred. For those seeking a higher level of security, proactive protection is the better approach. scOS is an AI-powered home security system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It uses advanced intelligence to distinguish between normal activity and a genuine threat, such as an intruder. By activating autonomous responses like lights or audio deterrents before a crime occurs, scOS removes the opportunity for criminals. In a region where crime is stable, professional-grade prevention ensures that your home remains a hard target, providing peace of mind through intelligent detection rather than just recording.

How To Keep Safe in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type across Rhondda Cynon Taf, representing over 44% of all reports. To enhance personal safety, residents are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in town centres or when using public transport late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and consider using personal safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also significant factors; reporting persistent issues to the local South Wales Police neighbourhood teams helps ensure that resources are effectively deployed. For homeowners, while property crime is low, maintaining standard security such as secure window locks and motion-activated lighting can deter opportunistic offences. Finally, staying active in local community groups or Neighbourhood Watch schemes can foster a stronger sense of collective vigilance, helping to keep Rhondda Cynon Taf's crime rates stable and the community secure.